Oltre 3 miliardi di euro di danni alla produzione agricola

Record heat and drought conditions have caused over €3 billion in damage to Italy's agricultural sector, according to Coldiretti. The Italian Farmers' Association warns that invasive species are contributing to the problem, with the red spider mite, Japanese beetle, and Asian hornet among the most recent invaders. The Japanese beetle alone can attack over 300 plant species, posing a significant threat to vineyards and fruit trees, particularly in northern Italy.

The Asian hornet, meanwhile, has established itself nationwide, threatening fruit orchards, grapes, and vegetables. Invasive species such as the Asian vine weevil, cherry fruit fly, and Mediterranean fruit fly also pose a serious threat to Italy's agricultural output. In addition to these pests, diseases like Xylella fastidiosa continue to wreak havoc on olive groves, particularly in Puglia, while blue crabs continue to put pressure on Italy's mussel farming industry.

Coldiretti stresses the urgent need to strengthen prevention and monitoring efforts, accelerate the development of sustainable biological defense systems, and provide farmers with the tools they need to cope with the arrival and spread of both new and old pathogens exacerbated by climate change.